Kalamazoo, MI: On January 20th, investigators from the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team, Community Policing Unit and officers from the Kalamazoo Metro SWAT Team executed a search warrant in the 600 block of Ada St. This warrant was in response to countless citizen complaints of drug trafficking and violence occurring at that residence. KVET investigators learned that up to 5 different narcotics traffickers were involved with distributing crack cocaine from that residence.

While officers were approaching the front door of the residence, four suspects attempted to flee through the back door. Fortunately, officers were already waiting at the back door and quickly took them into custody. An additional 6 suspects were located inside the residence by the SWAT team. Upon entering the residence, officers noticed that there was very little furniture or food in the residence. This house was strictly used for the distribution and use of narcotics. During a search of the residence, investigators located over 40 grams of crack cocaine, a large amount of marijuana, several types of ammunition, items used in the manufacturing and packaging of crack cocaine, and a large amount of US currency. Due to the evidence located, a 25 year old male was arrested for Delivery and Manufacturing of Crack Cocaine, Felon in Possession of Ammunition and Maintaining a Drug House. A 20 year old male was arrested for Delivery and Manufacturing of Crack Cocaine, Resisting Arrest and Frequenting a Drug House. A 22 year old male was also arrested for Delivery and Manufacturing of Crack Cocaine, Resisting Arrest, and Frequenting a Drug House. Additionally two other subjects were arrested for outstanding warrants. A 15 year old suspect was also found to be reported as a missing person /runaway and turned over to the Department of Human Services. All suspects are Kalamazoo residents and were lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail. All charges were forwarded to the Kalamazoo County Prosecutors Office for review.

The City of Kalamazoo Housing Department was also contacted in reference to the hazardous conditions inside the residence.

Officers spoke with several citizens in the area whom expressed their gratitude for shutting down this drug establishment. KVET investigators will continue to address drug activity in the area and will continue to search for additional suspects related to this incident.

Anyone with information regarding illegal drugs or firearms activity is urged to contact KVET at 269-337-8880, or report an anonymous tip to Silent Observer at 269-343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

Kalamazoo, MI: On January 5th, investigators from the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team, along with officers from the Kalamazoo Metro SWAT Team, executed a search warrant in the 700 block of Hawley St. This warrant was in reference to citizen complaints of high levels of drug activity and violence in the area which were affecting the quality of life in the neighborhood.

Upon entering the residence, three adults were located inside. During a search of the home, investigators located two loaded handguns stationed at each door of the residence, two loaded shotguns, suspected Crack Cocaine, suspected powder Cocaine, and a large amount of US currency. One of the shotguns was reported stolen in 2016 from Battle Creek.

Of the three adults located in the home, two were arrested for several felony charges. A 35 year old Kalamazoo man was arrested for Felony Firearms, Felon in Possession of a firearm, Felon in Possession of Ammunition, Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine and Maintaining a Drug House. A 31 year old Detroit man was arrested for Felony Firearms, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine and Maintaining a Drug House. Both suspects were lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail. This case will be forwarded to the Kalamazoo County Prosecutors Office for review.

Investigators made contact with several citizens in the neighborhood in reference to the action taken during this investigation. Many of the citizens contacted expressed their appreciation to the officers for addressing this problem house.

Anyone with information regarding illegal drugs or firearms activity is urged to contact KVET at 269-337-8880, or report an anonymous tip to Silent Observer at 269-343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

Kalamazoo, MI: Friday, December 23, 2016 at approximately 3:30 p.m., Kalamazoo Public Safety Officer Slenk was on routine patrol when he came across a single car accident in the area of Sheldon/2nd Street. The driver, a Kalamazoo area resident on parole, saw PSO Slenk and took off running. After a lengthy foot pursuit, the subject was taken into custody with the assistance of a citizen who was passing by. Once in custody, a quantity of powder cocaine; crack cocaine; crystal meth; heroine; and a scale was seized. The suspect was lodged on numerous charges.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Public Safety at 337-8994 or Silent Observer at 343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

Kalamazoo, MI: On December 8th, investigators from the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team and officers from the Kalamazoo Metro SWAT Team executed a search warrant in the 500 block of Lawrence St. This warrant was in reference to several citizen complaints of drug trafficking occurring at this location.

While the entry team was approaching the front of the residence, four suspects attempted to flee out the backdoor. All four suspects were quickly apprehended. During a search of these suspects, a 25-year-old male was found to be in possession of a distribution amount of heroin and a large amount of US currency. A 15-year-old suspect was found to be in possession of crack cocaine and US currency. During a search of the residence, additional crack cocaine and evidence of the manufacturing and distribution of crack cocaine was located. The 25-year-old suspect will face charges of Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Resisting Arrest and Maintaining a Drug House. The 15-year-old suspect was turned over to his guardian and will face charges of Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine and Resisting Arrest. All suspects are Kalamazoo residents. All charges will be forwarded to the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor’s Office for review. The City of Kalamazoo Housing Department was also contacted due to hazardous conditions. While investigators were on scene, several subjects came to the residence looking to purchase narcotics from the dealers.

KVET investigators will continue to address drug activity in the area and will continue to search for additional suspects that have been identified.

Anyone with information regarding illegal drugs or firearms activity is urged to contact KVET at 269-337-8880, or report an anonymous tip to Silent Observer at 269-343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

On October 20th 2016 at about 1930 hours, Kalamazoo Public Safety Officer Brett Bylsma conducted a traffic stop in the area of Cobb and Mabel. During this stop a 49 year old resident of Plainwell was contacted and found to be in possession of crack cocaine. After this traffic stop Officer Bylsma continued his investigation into this matter and was able to determine who supplied the crack cocaine to the initial suspect.

The crack cocaine dealer, a 27 year old resident of Kalamazoo was contacted a short time later and arrested in the 1100 block of Douglas. The suspect was found to be in possession of a digital scale and an additional quantity of crack cocaine (pictured below).

This subject is currently being held at the Kalamazoo County Jail awaiting arraignment.

Anyone having information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8139 or Silent Observed at 343-2100.